Avalon will provide COVID-19 testing for travelers who need to show proof of a negative test to return home at no extra cost. She is a self-confessed thrill seeker, obsessive planner, and over-packer. Royal Caribbean requires vaccination on cruises from Hawaii to Vancouver. It has also meant raising more than $12bn from investors to keep the company going. Royal Caribbean drops its vaccine requirement for some cruises starting with September 5th departures, not including FL sailings. There is so much happening in the cruise world, and that includes quite a few changes recently with Royal Caribbean, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line announced on Monday they were teaming up to create a panel of health experts, Royal Caribbean, along with other cruise lines, will not qualify for government assistance as part of theroughly $2, Since the onset of its voluntary shutdown, Royal Caribbean has been aggressive with new policies and offers meant to, This month marks exactly one year since Royal Caribbean, and the entire cruise industry, shut down due to the global, In the void of cruise ships being able to sail, there has been plenty of speculation by cruise fans on what might. "The vaccines are a way to build protection for you, your loved ones and our guests." See the tables below for more information: A few different types of infections are present in the Caribbean and Northern America region. Beginning September 5th, 2022, all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, can now cruise on the following Celebrity Cruises sailings as long as they meet any testing requirements to board: All other sailings (and sailings departing before September 5, 2022), the old restrictions still apply. Starting with September 5th departures guests regardless of their vaccination status, can cruise on the following itineraries, as long as they meet any testing requirements to board: Vaccination requirements remain in place until further notice for any homeport that is not mentioned above. Stay up to date with the latest cruise news and travel updates! Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew must be fully vaccinated (14 days after their final shot). A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Travel + Leisure. In February, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Insider that it will expect . Depending on the location of the cruise a pre-departure COVID-19 test may or may not be required. All guests will need to undergo a rapid test, administered at the terminal, prior to boarding. Previously, certain areas onboard. Book the Eastern Caribbean, departing from Cape Liberty, New Jersey on 05 Jan 2025 for 11 nights aboard Odyssey of the Seas with ROL Cruise today. (Photo by Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images) Due to changing vaccine regulations in the Bahamas, which is a frequent stop for many cruise lines, Royal Caribbean's policy for voyages leaving from Florida will now be the same as its policy for those from all other U.S. embarkation ports -- proof of inoculation is required -- from Sept. 3 through at least Nov. 1, 2021. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Unvaccinated cruisers must apply on a first-come, first-served basis. All ports should have the same right as the ones that were lifted. December 2020: How Covid cruise ships are navigating troubled waters. Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty spoke about the change during an earnings call with investors a few weeks ago and said the change is a move to be more like other forms of leisure travel, such as theme parks, casinos, or air travel. Royal Caribbean has announced a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for guests. For European homeports, the cruise line says guests booked on board will be provided full health and safety guidelines 30 days before departure: Royal Caribbean is working closely with local government and health authorities to finalize protocols and requirements designed for the health and safety of our guests sailing from European and Middle Eastern homeports. We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. 0. At this time,only the following sailings have COVID-19 vaccination requirements: Guestsage12 and older must be fully vaccinated againstCOVID-19in order to sail: Vaccines that are fully approved or authorized for emergency use by theWorld Health Organization (with the exception of CanSino), and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), will be accepted by the ports we sail to. Rivals such as Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line have felt similar financial pain. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Where they sail: Carnival sails large ships around the world, including popular trips to the Caribbean. In many cases inocul. 5 The Bahamas. Who needs the vaccine: Vaccinations are recommended but no longer required. If not, just leave blank, Royal Caribbean drops vaccine requirement for certain cruise ship sailings, ended its Covid-19 program for U.S. cruise ships, Where Royal Caribbean cruising is right now - December 2020, Royal Caribbean Group CEO talks about how health panel will lead to cruises resuming, Royal Caribbean will not qualify for bailout under US stimulus package, 5 things Royal Caribbean has done to boost bookings since cruises shutdown. Learn more. Guests under the age of 12 don't need to be vaccinated but will receive a COVID-19 test before boarding. No testing is required for vaccinated passengers on voyages of nine nights or fewer. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. Previously, certain areas onboard were not accessible for guests who had not been fully vaccinated. All rights reserved. The change in policy is rooted primarily in a change in policy by the U.S. government. The new updates ensure the cruise line has its protocols aligned with those specified by the CDC in the Voluntary Program for Cruise Ships, with some changes from the cruise line itself. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. All guests aged 4 and older are required to have a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. Now, Royal Caribbean has also updated its vaccination requirements for certain cruises. Royal Caribbean cruises are back but vaccinations will be optional. Who needs the vaccine: The vaccine is no longer required to sail on cruises from the U.S. and Europe. Travellers diarrhoea can affect travellers to any region. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. "Its important that all of our guests enjoy their experience at any destination while also meeting local measures.". Changes involve the cruise line eliminating the vaccinated and unvaccinated areas onboard its ships. The travel company announced on Friday that an additional six ships will resume trips from US ports in Florida and Texas starting in July and August. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. However, Mr Fain doesn't think he will face any staffing shortages. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, both part of Royal Caribbean Group, will mandate vaccinations for adult guests and crew, with children under 18 required to test negative for the coronavirus . Other brands like Carnival Cruises and MSC Cruises followed suit with very similar updates to their testing protocols as Royal Caribbean. Specifically, all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, can now cruise on the following itineraries as long as they meet any testing requirements to board: What do you think of the news that Royal Caribbean drops its vaccine requirement for some cruises? All guests can go to all public areas onboard with the new protocols. What Are the Entry Requirements in the Caribbean and Northern America. 2023 BBC. Where they sail: Oceania Cruises sails all over the world, including offering several World Cruise itineraries. Now, just a few days after Virgin Voyages policy change, Royal Caribbean has changed its vaccination rules. That means it's easier than ever to get to paradise and get started on your well-deserved vacation. Required fields are marked *. What other safety measures are in place: In addition to vaccines, all guests may be required to undergo a saliva PCR test at embarkation as well as "frequent" testing throughout the journey. "Those who are unvaccinated or unable to verify vaccination will be. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ended its Covid-19 program for U.S. cruise ships July 18, 2022. An aerial view of Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Sea cruise ship docked in Miami, Florida on March 2. See our What Vaccines section to learn more. The Caribbean and Northern America offer a wide variety of experiences for all kinds of travellers. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Major cruise lines like Carnival, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean are dropping vaccine requirements and easing COVID rules for pre-boarding testing. Cruise firm offers 999 free rooms to key workers, Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. But there's a catch. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! What other safety measures are in place: Unvaccinated guests must provide results of a COVID-19 test taken 1 to 2 days before sail date, at home tests are not accepted. Your most recent vaccine dose is on this list of EMA-approved vaccines: *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention traveler's health website. It wasn't immediately clear what other protocols. What other safety measures are in place: Masks are recommended onboard in most indoor venues and the casinos are frequently sanitized. What other safety measures are in place: All guests will undergo a health screening upon arrival and luggage will be disinfected. Who needs the vaccine: All guests are welcome on board, but unvaccinated passengers will be required to test and may need an additional medical exemption at some ports. Previously, guests who were not fully vaccinated were not allowed in areas such as the Schooner Bar, Chefs Table, the Spa, and the Casino. Learn more about your destination with our full compliment of destination advice pages! Vaccines have increasingly become a political flashpoint in recent months. Heidi is a physical therapist by profession, cruise enthusiast at heart, and Princess all the time! The Company does note that requirements may differ for guests traveling on voyages departing from or visiting destinations with specific local regulations, including but not limited to Canada, Greece, and Bermuda. Missing from this list are cruises that visit destinations in The Bahamas or Eastern Caribbean. Vaccination and Testing Requirements. Until now, Royal Caribbean only has allowed unvaccinated passengers under the age of 12 on its ships and only in limited numbers. Where they sail: The brand-new cruise line is launching mini sailings from England for UK residents, and has cruises throughout the Caribbean, and transatlantic options. See our What Vaccines section to learn more. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. What vaccines are required to travel on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Your most recent vaccine dose is on this list of EMA-approved vaccines: *Please see all applicable Terms & Conditions for Promotions, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention traveler's health website. Celebrity kept its vaccine requirement for sailings from Florida and a number of other places. Who needs the vaccine: All guests 12 and older need to be vaccinated before boarding. What vaccines are required to travel on a Royal Caribbean cruise? What other safety measures are in place: For cruises five days or less, there will no longer be pre-cruise testing for vaccinated passengers unless a specific port requires it. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. For passengers sailing from Canada and Bermuda, all passengers over 12 must be vaccinated. We recommend that you check with your health care professional or a Travel Medicine Specialist certified by the WHO for guidance. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. Royal Caribbean Will Not Allow Any Unvaccinated Guests Worldwide According to the statement made by Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean will not be allowing any guests onboard who have not been. Royal Caribbean just announced a new collection of seven-night summer cruises to the Bahamas and Mexico, but don't consider booking a spot unless you plan on being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. American Queen Voyages is known for its Mississippi River cruises as well as sailings down other U.S. rivers like the Columbia and Snake rivers, using classic paddle wheeler ships for a throwback, romantic vibe. In the U.S., kids younger than 5 are exempt from testing and vaccination requirements. Guests who have certain pre-existing medical conditions, including those who are on supplementary oxygen, will not be allowed to board. It is probably considered a transpacific cruise and vaccination is required. "Unvaccinated guests will be required to take one test within 3 days of departure . Follow her adventures on Instagram. We have 15 Pictures about Royal Caribbean reverses vaccination mandate for passengers on cruises like Alaska Cruises: Everything You Need to Know - Park West Gallery, Royal Caribbean Cruises Alaska 2022 / 2023 - Alaska Cruise Specialists and also Alaska Cruise Weather in May, June and July: What to Expect in the. Enrollment required. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC), which is the US federal public health agency, has been working closely with the industry to restart sailings. These Cruise Lines Just Dropped Their COVID-19 Testing Rules, Norwegian Cruises to Allow Unvaccinated Passengers Starting in September, These Major Cruise Lines Just Dropped COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Shorter Sailings What to Know, More Cruise Lines to Start Allowing Unvaccinated Passengers on Board, These Cruise Lines Will Accept At-home Covid Tests for Unvaccinated Passengers, Canada to Drop All COVID-19 Travel Restrictions on Oct. 1 What to Know, A Country-by-country Guide to COVID-19 Entry Requirements in Europe, Where Can Americans Travel Right Now? And so we are making those steps, we feel comfortable that we will be able to continue to crew them in the way we have in the past". The cruise states they will not visit any destinations where vaccine rates are low. For its part, Royal Caribbean has already been approved to start test sailings later this month ahead of its planned restart this summer. Be sure to have a travellers diarrhoea prevention kit with you for your trip. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. To be considered fully vaccinated by the countries we visit: A guest is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the required number of doses in their vaccine series have been fully administered (e.g. 2. Children who have received one dose (unless Johnson & Johnson) do not count as fully vaccinated. Beginning September 3, cruisers that are 12 or older who are unvaccinated or don't show proof of vaccination will be allowed onboard as long as they can show the results of a negative antigen or PCR test taken in the 72 hours before boarding. Where they sail: Celebrity Cruises sails all over the world. The cruise line states some itineraries will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel, and that instructors will be sent out 30 days prior to travel. Masks will be required on board indoors, and all shore excursions will be with vetted operators. It adds that the "CDC acknowledges that it is not possible for cruising to be a zero-risk activity for spread of Covid-19". Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Other informational resources can be accessed on theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention traveler's health websiteor by calling toll-free (877) FYI-TRIP and on theWorld Health Organization website. A guide to every major cruise line's health requirements for safe sailing. Guests who are eligible must have a booster. "The combination of the vaccines and testing and contact tracing, all these kinds of protocols really helps us reach our objective, which is to make cruising safer than in your home community". Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. In another caveat, passengers on Europe sailings who aren't up to date on a COVID-19 vaccine series per European standards will need to take a COVID-19 test on board in order to get off the ship in Greece and Spain. What other safety measures are in place: All crew members must be vaccinated for COVID-19 and the cruise line states there are vaccination requirements on board (but does not specify). Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Royal Caribbean International has announced plans to begin sailing six of its cruise ships out of southern U.S. ports this July and August. Planning a cruise? Royal Caribbean has greatly relaxed its covid rules. Caribbean. This cruise will be operated as a vaccinated cruise, as defined by health authorities, with guests and crew vaccination rates approaching 100%. "We think it's enough to see us through during these terrible times," says Mr Fain. The Caribbean and Northern America offer a wide variety of experiences for all kinds of travellers. Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. A spokeswoman for the company, Lyan Sierra-Caro, told The Miami Herald Royal Caribbean International's plans to require vaccinations was only going to be implemented for its "test cruises.". We want to ensure a great experience going ashore at these ports, for guests of any vaccination status, while meeting local health regulations.". Royal Caribbean International - Guests no longer need to be vaccinated nor tested to board Royal Caribbean International on most sailings. An exception to the new policy is those boarding a ship to Alaska where the cruise line will still require guests 16 and older to be vaccinated, and 12 and older starting Aug. 1. Royal Caribbean cruises launching from Nassau, Bahamas, and Bermuda this summer will require vaccinations for passengers 18 and over. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. What other safety measures are in place: Ocean Cruise guests will be required to get tested for COVID-19 in the terminal. To be considered up to date by all European countries, your vaccination must meet both of the following requirements: 1. What other safety measures are in place: Only unvaccinated guests will be required to show proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken 72 hours prior to boarding. Starting with September 5thdepartures,all travelers regardless of vaccination status can cruise on the following itineraries, as long as theymeet any testing requirementsto board. Unvaccinated people should be allowed to sail out of Florida without feeling pressured. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. Read about our approach to external linking. Royal Caribbean is requiring vaccination for travelers ages 12 and over. A Country-by-country Guide, Where Americans Can Travel in Asia A Country-by-country Guide. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? Where they sail: The global cruise line sails large ocean ships all around the world, from Australia to Alaska. Guests under the age of 12 don't need to be vaccinated but will receive a COVID-19 test before boarding. 2 shots of Pfizer, Moderna,AstraZeneca, etc.,or 1 shot of Johnson & Johnson). Requiring testing for unvaccinated guests on all sailings, and for vaccinated guests on sailings that are six nights or longer. If Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian allow for unvaccinated adults but keep the 90% vaccinated number that could limit how many families can book cruises on those lines, which are. It's why, he says, procedures will be in place to isolate any passengers who show symptoms. Virgin Voyages Becomes First Major Cruise Line to Eliminate Pre-embarkation COVID Testing in the U.S. Margaritaville at Sea Becomes Latest Cruise Line to Ease Pre-boarding COVID Testing Requirement, The CDC Will No Longer Report COVID-19 Cases on Cruises to the Public, Every Cruise Line's Requirements for COVID Vaccines, Testing, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Will No Longer Require Face Masks, Carnival Cruise Line to Lift Mask Requirement on Board Starting March 1, Royal Caribbean Launches Hotel Booking Platform for One-stop Trip Planning, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Will Require Passengers to Wear Masks Indoors Due to Rising Onboard Cases. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Wow: Inside Amex's glistening new Centurion club in midtown Manhattan, The best places to see cherry blossoms around the US this spring, Looking back: How my points and miles strategy has changed over the years. COVID-19 Vaccination is no longer required to sail, with a few exceptions. The most important change may be the following: Guests who are not vaccinated can sail on any cruise from the U.S. or Europe (*except. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Masks are required on bus transfers, in hotels, and on excursions. It only took 10s of thousands of lives to be lost for them to do it though. Sometimes. Drop us an anchor below to share your thoughts on this recent cruise news. - Facial coverings onboard are optional. The changes began shortly after the CDC ended a pandemic-era policy of publicly displaying COVID-19 cases onboard, different cruise lines to the public in July 2022. We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests also get a booster dose when they become eligible to do so. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended all passengers and crew get the jab before boarding, said vaccinated passengers can potentially ditch their masks, and waived the need for volunteer test sailings for cruise companies where 98% of crew and 95% of passengers are fully vaccinated. Norwegian Cruise Line made headlines when it announced it would end its vaccine requirement. Royal Caribbean sister brand Celebrity Cruises made a similar announcement about its COVID-19 vaccine policy late Wednesday, removing its vaccine requirement effective Sept. 5 for some but not all sailings. He doesn't think that there are security issues around the paper documents issued to show vaccines have been given in countries such as the US and UK. Thank you. Where they sail: The British cruise line, exclusively for guests 50 and older, sails both ocean and river cruises around the globe. Royal Caribbean will require the COVID-19 vaccine for all passengers over 16 years old. 2 shots of Pfizer, Moderna,AstraZeneca, etc.,or 1 shot of Johnson & Johnson). One of the world's biggest cruise companies says coronavirus vaccinations will be needed to get on its ships. Cruise giant Royal Caribbean is dropping its COVID-19 vaccine requirement but there's a catch, This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Some countries are only. Your email address will not be published. NCL's rule change is subject to certain local guidelines, so cruises visiting Canada, Bermuda, or Greece will still require adults to be vaccinated. On Thursday, Royal Caribbean announced that it would change its vaccine policy for ships sailing from Florida to the Bahamas - including its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay - to comply. Some routine vaccinations are also recommended, this includes: measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap), influenza, chickenpox, pneumonia, meningitis and polio. P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises - along with all cruise lines currently operating right now - have vaccine policies in place that passengers must be aware of. On July 3, the Odyssey of the Seas will sail from Fort Lauderdale on 6- and 8-night Caribbean cruises, followed by sailings out of Port Canaveral, Seattle, and Galveston later in the summer. Where they sail: Disney sails family-friendly journeys including to the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska. Where they sail: This small-ship company is known for its Alaska journeys as well as adventures in places like the Galapagos and island hopping in Hawaii. The three latter brands said their new no-vaccine-required policies were fleetwide. In May, Royal Caribbean said it would require vaccinations for passengers. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. They never prevented transmission or infection. What other safety measures are in place: Depending on the port of embarkation guests may or may not to pre-test to travel. announce an end to their COVID-19 vaccination requirements, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. We strongly recommend that fully vaccinated guests also get a booster dose when they become eligible to do so. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests who have recovered from COVID-19 within three months of their sailing date, do not need the required pre-cruise COVID test before embarkation, only if they are at least 10 days past their COVID-19 infection, have no symptoms and present documentation of recovery from COVID-19 from their healthcare provider. and New Orleans. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Who needs the vaccine: All guests and crew are required to be fully vaccinated with the booster shot. Who needs the vaccine: All are welcome regardless of vaccination status, unvaccinated passengers must have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of embarkation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Cruising is a global industry that, before the pandemic, was worth $150bn and supported about 1.2 million jobs.